GOVERNOR Ralph DLG Torres on Wednesday proclaimed February 24 as CNMI Chamorro-Carolinian Mother Language Day.
He likewise joined the United Nations General Assembly in proclaiming the years 2022 to 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages.
On Feb. 24, 2020, the CNMI issued a proclamation in promoting the recognition of the International Mother Language Day to promote linguistic diversity and multilingualism.
At the proclamation signing ceremony in the governor’s conference room on Wednesday, the proclamation was read by young local residents in English, Chamorro, and Carolinian.
“Hundreds of mother languages across the world face extinction causing the demise of rich cultures, heritages, customs, and folk knowledge,” the proclamation reads, noting that this includes the Chamorro and Carolinian indigenous languages.
“Collective human rights comprise the people’s ambitious drive toward preservation of culture and heritage, and educational and scientific advancement through mother language.
“Today there is growing awareness that languages play a vital role in development, in ensuring cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, but also in strengthening cooperation and attaining quality education for all, in building inclusive knowledge societies and preserving cultural heritage, and in mobilizing political will for applying the benefits of science and technology to sustainable development.
“It is with language that we communicate and participate in all aspects of society, and through language, people preserve their community’s history, customs and traditions, memory, inimitable modes of thinking, meaning, and expression, which are certainly utilized to plot and construct their future.
“Language is as important as land as a mark of identity, pivotal in the areas of human rights, good governance, peacebuilding, reconciliation, and sustainable development.”
The proclamation emphasizes that the mother language, or the indigenous languages, of the CNMI, or Chamorro and Carolinian, matter for social, economic and political development, peaceful coexistence and reconciliation in societies.
Governor Torres, for his part, said, “I strongly encourage our CNMI family to band together and raise awareness about the importance of supporting the goals and ideals of Mother Language Day and to bring attention to the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural heritage throughout the Commonwealth.”
He added, “We need to continue to push for our culture,” he added, noting that the Pacific Mini Games this summer is a perfect opportunity to do just that.
The governor urged the community, including the government and private sectors, to support this movement by means of speaking and writing in the language, displaying exhibits, posters, signs, playing music, and performing dances to promote the mother languages and encourage participation in this momentous occasion.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres poses for a photo with lawmakers, other officials, educators, advocates and community members after signing the CNMI Chamorro-Carolinian Mother Language Day proclamation on Wednesday at the administration building on Capital Hill.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres signs a proclamation designating Feb. 24 as CNMI Chamorro-Carolinian Mother Language Day.
